New Laptop

[9876543210]

exfarmer,

Going to back up Rick Dangers advice a bit here.

First, go to the Toshiba support website and check to see if there is a BIOS update. If there is, apply it.

Second, also follow his advice and find at least two GB more RAM. Windows 8 might run on that machine, but its going to run poorly. Stick another 2 GB chip in there and you'll be much, much happier.

Third, if I understood correctly, you want to install a version of Win 8 on the Toshiba that is already on another machine? If thats correct you may be getting into trouble with MS. They really don't want one copy of their operating system on two different machines. You may not be able to activate the Toshiba so it will only work for 30 days. After that you'll have to repartition, reformat and reinstall to get another 30 days.

Unless you absolutely need the MS OS give Ubuntu a try. Its free and amazingly easy to install and use.

Lastly, I wouldn't worry much about the wifi driver. Since Win 7, MS has had most of the wifi drivers so the thing should work just after install. I'd be a bit surprised if it didn't.

Good luck.

[pigulici]

What exact model it is, on backplate it is write? maybe we can help you better...

[G-Type]

Mate,

if I can give you an advice: don´t go for an OS-upgrade as you intended.

Besides the fact that your Win8-licence is only for one machine and will therefore not work properly after 30 days, it´s moreover the tremendous impact on registry and its expectable downsides (laming the system, conflicts with other reg-entries) which will sooner or later arise.

Also don´t under-estimate the time for research on workable app´s etc.

If I were you, I would go and re-format your machine. Completely.

Then go and look for a cheap source to buy a single license of Win7. Install it and add some programs which you need. Not more, no need to over-blow. The more (redundant) proggies run, the higher the risk of laming the machine.

As said above, Win7 (or 8.1) will have all the necessary tools on board to set up your WiFi.

In case of avoiding additional costs for a new OS, I also have read that free Ubuntu may indeed be an option; and perhaps a welcome opportunity and occasion to see how a non-MS operating system may work. Perhaps better than expected.

Think about it.
.

[exfarmer]

Originally Posted by GeorgeMcSoon

If I were you, I would go and re-format your machine. Completely.

Then go and look for a cheap source to buy a single license of Win7. Install it and add some programs which you need. Not more, no need to over-blow. The more (redundant) proggies run, the higher the risk of laming the machine.

I was starting to wonder if maybe Win 7 was the way to go, I also have an old copy of that on disc that I can install. I've worked my way through all the MS operating systems over the years.

At the moment the laptop is faster than my main PC that has W8 installed and very similar stats, different processor, so I'd rather not install something that will slow it down. However, support for XP is to be stopped so I think there is a need to upgrade it at some point.

The laptop was bought on Ebay and only arrived on Friday, the only programs installed are what the seller put on it when he prepared it for sale so this is the ideal time for me to do an upgrade before I install anything else. The machine will mostly only be used on VEF so I can relax and mod in front of the TV instead of being stuck in another room all night bored senseless waiting for new posts on the main PC.

[G-Type]

Originally Posted by exfarmer

I was starting to wonder if maybe Win 7 was the way to go, I also have an old copy of that on disc that I can install. I've worked my way through all the MS operating systems over the years.
...

I was mainly advicing that -in case you intend to upgrade to another (newer) operating system- it´s always better to completely re-format and install the system from scratch.

Unless you want to keep the programmes from the predecessor - which I don´t think is your main intention, isn´t it?
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[exfarmer]

When I do upgrade the operating system it will be a completely fresh installation so I would be starting again with a new computer. Files are always saved to a "windows old" folder so those will be kept but all programs will be lost.

I think now is the best time to do it because I haven't set the laptop up for me yet and haven't installed any programs, except an antivrus, but I'm concerned about all these Toshiba progs, I don't know what they do or if I really need them. When doing a fresh operating install on a PC things like the mouse, wired internet, sound, graphics etc.. all work automatically but will the same thing happen on a laptop? I know that makes me sound a bit of a noob but I don,t want to install the operating system then find the touch pad doesn't work, I,ve lost the WIFI etc etc....

[G-Type]

I am not talking about files or software you wanna keep. This will get lost and you need of course to back it. That´s what MS also recommends and is of course obligatory whenever OS-upgrades are effected.

As far as I have understood it, you want to upgrade from XP to Win7 or Win 8.1 respectively by using your Software-CD´s. While doing so, some older debris from the former version will still reside (DLL´s, drivers) and may (not necessarily) lead to conflicts because your former version have not entire been removed.

To avoid this, I recommended an entire formatting and to install the new OS on a totally blank computer.

The newer OS´s all come with the necessary drivers etc., so rebuilding a new framework should not be the problem - however, it´s a time-consuming task.

But perhaps worth the efforts.
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[Jenny48549]

There is no straight upgrade option from XP to Win7 or 8 anyway. You would have to upgrade to Vista first and then go from there to get a clean in place upgrade.

Better to format the drive and do a clean install.... Toshiba should have all the necessary programs / utilities available for download at their website to reinstall those under the model of the laptop.

[exfarmer]

Well, I've made a back up and now I'm about to install Win 7. I decided that Win 8 contains a lot of stuff that I don't necessarily need on the laptop and may slow it down. Depending on how it goes I might be back here later looking for help.

[9876543210]

exfarmer,

Originally Posted by exfarmer

I was starting to wonder if maybe Win 7 was the way to go, I also have an old copy of that on disc that I can install. I've worked my way through all the MS operating systems over the years.

By all means, if you have an open copy of Win 7, use that. Much better OS than 8.1 (at least in my opinion).

But you will still need the 4 GB of RAM total. It also doesn't do well with just 2 GB.

Good luck.